Capitol United Cycling Club

We have two ride leaders!

The Midi group will roll out with a TBD route that'll keep a civilized pace around 20 miles.

The Mondo route (route link) will be around 35 miles with our first Ohio Street climb of the year! We'll follow the E River Road to 35E bridge, cross and go down to Lillydale, go up Ohio and follow 13 to Sibley Memorial Hwy all the way to the Cedar Ave bridge crossing, then return home next to the airport and around Nokomis.

Given that there's a designated Midi route this week, the plan is to turn up the pace a little with the Mondo crew.

We meet at 5:00 and launch shortly thereafter.

Welcome to the site, come here for the most current information about the club and our weekly rides.

We need ride leaders!

Please see our 2024 ride leader sign-up sheet; access permission needed, just ask.

Our start locations vary, but are typically somewhere near the Capitol. Our two most common start/end locations are Parkway Pizza in Roseville (Lexington and Roselawn) and Wabasha Brewing (St. Paul’s West Side).

We try to have 2 groups riding each week. The Mondo group averages about 30-40 miles per ride @ 17-19 mph. The Midi group averages about 20 miles per ride @ 14-16 mph. Available daylight is one of the biggest determining factor to ride length. We also strive to be a "no drop" group, so we work together to fix flats and mechanicals when they happen and keep the group together, that being said, please know your personal limits and choose the group ride that best matches your abilities.

All of our rides are led by volunteers. The leader determines the route for the week, sends an email ride announcement, and posts new weekly info on this website. Please visit this site and your email regularly to stay informed about the rides and any potential cancellations due to weather (usually sent out by 3:00 on ride day if there is a likelihood of cancellation.) Let us know if are interested in leading a weekly ride!

Contact one of the following to be added to the club’s email list: Club's Email, Andy Trcka, Jason Johnson

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming club!

Off to the Northern Frontier

Please show up to Parkway Pizza at 5:00pm for a quick out and back to Circle Pines.

Location: Parkway Pizza Roseville

The route is here: Route

This is a route originally developed by Greg H.

Respond to this email with questions or concerns.

Happiness Is a Clear Sky,

Cap U

All-

We ride East this week starting from St Paul Brewing - 5:00 Start!

Our route takes us up the Vento Trail then east to Lake De Montreville, and finally a southern loop through Lake Elmo Park.

See you there!

Here is the ROUTE

Join us for a nice southern ride starting from Wabasha Brewing

Here is the ROUTE

Be ready for the famous Akron Hill Climb at mile 11.3

I completed my first Imperial Century almost a decade ago in August 2014, and since then I've ridden 98 additional Centuries (usually one per month) and this April's Century will be my 100th. That's 10,000 miles in 100+ mile rides. That is definitely worth celebrating, and I'd love to have you join me. If you can’t ride the whole thing, we can arrange for you to join in at the beginning or end, your choice. I think we can assemble at the Groveland Tap on Saint Claire and Fairview for post-ride festivities.

The route is here: Route

We're planning to roll out at 08:00 from my house in Saint Paul (1907 Bohland Avenue).

Email me at jdl@ieee.org for additional information. This will be a casual no-drop ride.

Rainy Days and Pizza always get me by...

We've dodged the rain, tonight's ride is ON!

Please show up to Parkway Pizza tonight at 5:00pm for a quick out and back to White Bear Lake

Lets get some miles in before Jonathan's big ride on Saturday!!

Location: Parkway Pizza Roseville

The route is here: Route

Respond to this email with questions or concerns.

Happiness Is a Clear Sky,

Cap U

Good afternoon all:

The weather is much more agreeable this week, so it's time to take a spin

Why is this ride named Closing Time? This route takes us over the Mendota and Stone Arch Bridges. Both bridges will be closing for construction this summer, with the Stone Arch closing next Monday, April 15. I figured a ride over both was a good way to start the season.

What: The Actual CapU 2024 Season Kickoff Start/End: Dual Citizen Brewing Company, St. Paul When: Wednesday, April 10, 5:00 PM Route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BAoZoa5q2R8tqqfh9

Respond to this email if you have any questions, concerns, or need clues for your crossword puzzle.

CapU

It seems as though the cold weather isn't done with us yet....

Due to today's dropping attendance numbers (communicated to the ride leaders), we will be converting our planned season kick-off ride into a season kick-off meeting.

Please show up to Parkway Pizza tonight at ~5:15 where we can talk about topics like:

• Weekly ride times and start points

• Leading a Ride

• Group ride etiquette

• Team Kit

• Calendar of significant club events

• Johnathan Lord's 100th Century ride

• Grey Cloud

• Solstice

• Bart's BBB&B

• Leg Mauler

• Prudhomme

• Smorgy's Ride

• Cobbles Ride

The entirety of the 2024 riding season is in front of us!!! The only way to find out where we'll end up is to clip in and join the pack! Let's make this Cap U's best season!

What: Cap U's Season Kickoff meeting When: Wednesday, March 20, ~5:15 Location: Parkway Pizza Roseville

Respond to this email with questions or concerns.

Happiness Is a Green Light,

Cap U

Cranksgiving is a national food drive on two wheels.  Part alley cat race, part scavenger hunt.  All you need is a bicycle, a bit of cash ($10-20+ depending on your generosity), a lock and a way to haul the food you collect back to the start.

Pedal the streets and trails of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as you search for specific food and staple items. Once you've collected all items and arrived at the finish, the items will be donated to the food program at Zion Lutheran Church.

All ages and riding abilities are encouraged to participate, bring the kids.
Location: Zion Lutheran Church
Registration Start: Noon
Ride Start: 1:00 pm, end depends mostly on you, how far and fast you want to go but plan for 2-3 hours.

Cranksgiving 2023 is sponsored by Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles.

This Cranksgiving link gives more info.

Contact me if you have any questions, Jonathan Lord, Cell: +1 (612) 840-5292

It's another great day for fall road riding with a late season 40 mile loop from Utepils Brewing to Tonka Bay and back. The ride is relatively flat, and will be followed by some quality time with your Cap U mates at Utepils Brewing. Looking forward to seeing you there. Let's roll!

Time: Sunday, Nov. 12 at 11am.

Location: Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis. Following the ride at Utepils, the food truck scheduled for Sunday is Red Rocket Pizza.

Cap-U Utepils to Tonka Bay 40 mile loop

Several people have expressed interest in doing some mountain biking, so we’re planning an easy ride in the Mississippi River Bottoms this Friday!

Time: Friday (11/10/23) at 1:00pm

Location: Meet at the Sibley Historic Site, 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN 55150

This flat route is 21-ish miles from Sibley House to 35 and back, and can be a little more or less depending on how much fun we’re having. 1pm rollout. 39 cloudy degrees in the forecast.

Questions: contact Bill Leifheit at 651-207-2085. Hope to see you there!

MN River Bottoms Ride

Let's say goodbye to fall road riding with a late season 34 mile loop through Grey Cloud Island Township. This is NOT the official Grey Cloud ride. The ride is relatively flat, and will be followed by some quality time with your Cap U mates at St. Paul Brewing. Looking forward to seeing you there. Let's roll!

Following the ride (just after noon), Greg will be at St. Paul Brewing with the Capitol United kits and other apparel that were ordered from Pactimo.

Grey Cloud 34mi From St. Paul Brewing

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/236961921

Weather permitting, Paul Miller will lead what is likely the final afternoon ride of the 2023 season (sunset next Wednesday is 5:20 PM).

4:15 PM from Pryes Brewing company, at Plymouth Avenue and West River Parkway in Minneapolis.

The ride will go down West River Parkway and 1st Street to and across the newly reopened 3rd/Central Avenue Bridge (Garmin hasn't gotten the memo that the bridge is open yet). After that, we'll go down 2nd St SE to the Stone Arch Bridge. Across and back upriver to 694, then return to Pryes.

See you there!

Paul is planning Bonus Ride #3 for Wednesday, November 1, starting from Pryes Brewing Company at 4:15. Pryes is located at 1401 West River Road North, Minneapolis MN 55411. The ride will go down West River Parkway and 1st Street to and across the newly reopened 3rd/Central Avenue Bridge (Garmin hasn't gotten the memo that the bridge is open yet). After that, we'll go down 2nd St SE to the Stone Arch Bridge. Across and back upriver to I-694, then return to Pryes. Link to the route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/236961921

Following the ride, Greg will be at Pryes with the Capitol United kits and other apparel that were ordered from Pactimo.

Join us on Wednesday, October 25 for a 21-mile, no-drop ride from Dual Citizen, up the west side of the Mississippi River, west on the 26th Avenue bike lane, south on Wirth and Cedar Lake Parkways, east on the Midtown Greenway, across the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge and back to Dual Citizen.

Sunset is at 6:12, so we'll leave Dual Citizen at 4:15. Dual Citizen is located at 725 Raymond Avenue, St Paul MN 55114.

Mike S

Greeting, Cap-U Riders! As the weather is lovely today, we are offering a 21 mile 'bonus ride' around West Saint Paul on many paved trails and quiet roads. We plan to start and end at Wabasha Brewery, and roll out at 4:15pm. Much of the last 1/3 of the ride is on trails or has a trail option, in case folks want to get off of the roads as it gets dark. Bring your lights and enjoy another wonderful fall ride!

--BL

Tonight's Route

Capitol United,

It seems like just last week we rolled out of Parkway Pizza on that 90° April day, but the time has come to celebrate another fantastic riding season for Capitol United. We celebrate as we have in the past, by rolling slow along St. Paul's most majestic cobbled streets replenishing the calorie loss from our riding with tasty grub and cold beverages at Skinners Pub.

Specifics: 1) This is a genteel affair so please dress accordingly. Leave the lycra at home! You can expect about 15 miles along the Capital City's most manicured and stately streets. Numerous stops along the way to cheers the season and crown 2023's Mileage Champion. The route is fluid but you can expect it to travel close to what is represented on the attached map.

2) 4:15 Start! Repeat...4:15 Start!

3) Start/End Location = Linwood Community Recreation Center (860 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul, 55105)

4) Post Ride Celebration = Skinners Pub (919 Randolph, St. Paul, 55102). Bring your appetite!

5) We are still accepting donations for the Bob Prudhomme Memorial ride.

Questions? Contact andrew.trcka@state.mn.us or jason.johnson@state.mn.us

Happiness is a Green Light, Cap U

Paul Miller will be leading the ride, with the route below.

Tonight's Route

(Wooden Hill Brewing)

P.S. if you have a donation to Toys for Tots please bring it to the ride, we are still accepting donations from the Prudhomme ride.

P.P.S. The Cap U store is closing on the 28th at 11:55pm, order your new kit before it's too late!!! (Anticipated delivery October 25th)

Team Store Link

Password – “ capitolunited”

Several people have expressed interest in doing some mountain biking, so we’re starting by going to the Mississippi River Bottoms this Sunday!

Time: Sunday (9/24) at 9:00 am

Location: Meet at the Lyndale Lot (11115 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN).

It looks like there are chances of rain on Sat and Sun….but we’re going with it. We’ll come up with an exact destination when we all meet with options to go shorter or longer distances. (8-10 miles...or longer).

Questions: contact Lynn Lutz 651-442-6714

All-

4:30 Start!

Join your fellow bikers this week as we start and end at Sea Salt/Minnehaha Falls. To honor Smorgy, we'll do 20 joy-filled miles around Minneapolis.

See you there!

Here is the ROUTE

All-

We ride west this week starting from Dual Citizen Brewery. 4:30 Start!

Our route takes us to the Airport and back, but there is no need to pack your bags! Just bring yourself and your bike!

See you there!

Here is the ROUTE

Bob Prudhomme was an avid cyclist at MnDOT who was tragically killed in a bicycle accident.  His favorite charity was Toys for Tots.  In the past, the money we raised during this ride was used to purchase helmets and bicycles that were donated to Toys for Tots.  We will take cash donations, but would prefer that you write a check to "Toys for Tots," and we will coordinate with the US Marines to purchase bikes and helmets.

All rides begin and end near The Inver Grove Brewing company in Inver Grove Heights (9051 Buchanan Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076) and proceed out the Mississippi River Greenway Trail towards Hastings.  There is a giant parking lot kitty-corner across Broderick that may be good to use on a Saturday.  See each route's details for start times.

We are targeting a finishing time around 5:30 PM for all rides for post-ride relaxation at Inver Grove Brewing. Recommended start times for each distance are an attempt to get everyone finished around the same general time frame.

Note: These are self-guided routes, it is up to you to organize riding partners and get pedaling, although you may end up seeing folks you know out there at any point during the day.

This Wednesday looks like it will cool off and there is a chance of rain in the morning.

Ride starts at Parkway Pizza in Roseville, (Lexington and Roselawn)

We are sticking with a 4:30 start time now that the sun is setting earlier

We will ride around the top of Bald Eagle Lake, and back via WBL and Shoreview.

34 miles

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/79926663

Come get your legs ready for the Prudhomme ride this weekend!

The 2023 Capitol United Leg Mauler Ride will be held on Wednesday, August 30th (rescheduled from August 23rd due to heat) starting from Wabasha Brewing Company at 429 Wabasha St S in St Paul. Sunset is at 7:54 that night, so we'll start riding at 4:30. We'll ride about 33 miles (reduced to fit in the shorter daylight) up and down the bluffs on both sides of the Mississippi between St Paul and Newport for about 3,000 feet of climbing. This ride is one of the requirements to achieve membership in the Order of Grey Cloud.

See the route here: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/185865467

Note that this course shows a detour on George St, Robert St and Plato Blvd near the beginning of the route to avoid some construction on Wabasha St just south of Plato Blvd. We can get through Wabasha St on our bikes, so please disregard the detour. It also shows a climb up the Wentworth Avenue hill. That has been removed to fit in the shorter daylight. Instead, we'll go directly from the Ohio Street climb down the High Bridge toward the Ramsey Street climb.

Mike S

Happy birthday Peter! To celebrate, we're assembling a social ride in Minneapolis' NE neighborhood. CapU friends are welcome and encouraged to join for part or all of the four-brewery tour! Here's an estimated timeline:

5:30 PM - Starting at Indeed Brewing, 711 NE 15th Ave
7:30 PM - Dangerous Man, 1300 NE 2nd St
8:30 PM - Broken Clock, 1712 Marshall St NE
9:30 PM - Fair State, 2506 Central Ave NE

We'll be ordering food while at Indeed. Hope to see you there!

This ride will start and stop at St. Paul Brewing (688 Minnehaha Ave E, St. Paul). From there we'll travel northeast to loop around Lake DeMontreville and Lake Elmo.

Mondo Route (Strava)
Midi Route Option (Strava)
Seeya there!

Route(s) TBD but we will meet at Sea Salt. More info forthcoming! Check back before the ride.

Start Location = Sea Salt (MPLS, near Minnehaha Falls) Length = ~30 miles Ride rolls out at 5:15 PM!

All-

We ride west this week starting from the Utepils Brewery.

Our route takes us through the Lake Minnetonka area and back again.

See you there.

Jason

Hi All,

This week's ride will start and end at Skinners Pub (919 Randolph Ave) in St. Paul. At the end of the ride, the Saint Paul Spice Company will provide wings and sauce to hear your opinion on which sauce they should submit to the competition they're entering at Wabasha Brewing on Saturday Aug 5th!

It's going to be another hot day, so we have a ride that can be shortened and seeks out shade. Everybody will start by going across the high bridge and go DOWN Ohio for a change. We'll casually start through Lillydale to Mendota as the heat is at peak. This is where the Midi ride may break off while the Mondo picks up the pace as they loop around Mendota Heights, ending over the Mendota Bridge to Minnehaha Falls where we follow the west and east river roads until we make our way back to Skinners Pub.

Hope to see you there!
-Matt G

River Hug Spicy Sauce (Mondo) (36mi with 30mi option)
River Hug Mild Sauce (Midi) (19.5mi)

BikeMN, the bicycle advocacy organization for the state of Minnesota, is holding a fundraiser plus a combo retirement and birthday celebration for its founder and executive director, Dorian Grilley, on July 19 at Indeed Brewing Company. That seems like a great reason to start and end our ride there.

Mondos will ride about 40 flat miles up the west side of the Mississippi River to Anoka and back on the east side. Midis can cut off about 12 miles by crossing the river on the Coon Rapids Dam. Both groups will depart at 5:15 pm. Here is the route as a Garmin Course: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/177206314

Indeed Brewing Company is located at 711 NE 15th Ave in Minneapolis. Please call or text me at 612-242-5435 if you have questions or are running late.

Mike S

It’s time for another infamous BBB&B Tour de St Paul!

When: Wednesday July 12, 5:15 pm pre-ride meeting. Rolling at 5:30 sharp... though we might need to wait for non-state workers

Where: Bart's House - 69 Congress St. W., St. Paul (congregate in the driveway on Stryker by the kitchen door)

What: Our classic Tour de St. Paul ~ 22 miles with lots of hills (1,400 ft climbing). Jonathan will lead a semi-Midi ride that takes the easy way.

Barbecue: I’ll supply some beer and brats, but bringing items to share is always appreciated!

Trophies: Hill climb and sprint points will be accumulated during the ride with maillot à pois rouges and maillot vert trophies awarded. The person with the most sprinter and climber points combined gets the maillot jaune. Note - there are also Femme du BBB&B trophies!

Text me if you’re running late and we'll wait for you or I’ll share my location so you can join us on the road. 612-805-3731

Hope to see you there!

Bart

Point locations (2 changes this year - no Grace St sprint, Wentworth goes to the top, and there’s a new sprint on Charlton)

Locations for the climbs – 180 points: Top of Ramsey Hill – 40 points Top of the High Bridge, turning onto Cherokee – 30 points Top of Wentworth after crossing Delaware – 30 points Top of Marie – 30 points (official this time) Top of Ohio Hill climb, crest of hill before the water fountain – 50 points

Locations for the sprints – 180 points: Crosswalk by the swing sets on Cherokee Heights park boulevard – 50 points Dodge Nature Center crosswalk - 50 points Mendota town sign before Lucky 13 – 30 points Trail crosswalk before the RR bridge on Lillydale – 50 points

Scoring system: 1st place = full points, for Ramsey hill, 40 points 2nd = -10 points, for Ramsey hill, 30 points 3rd = -10 additional points, for Ramsey hill, 20 points 4th = -10 additional points, for Ramsey hill, 10 points 5th = -5 additional points, for Ramsey hill, 5 points

IMPORTANT - know the course if you plan on competing for points! (Ryan!)

Welcome to the middle of Summer!

Tonight we ride East to Lake De Montreville and back.

Here is the MONDO ROUTE

Here is the MIDI ROUTE

We start and stop from Parkway Pizza

See you all there!

CONFIRMATION, tonights ride (5:15PM) is still "ON", AQI is forecasted to improve over the course of the evening

Tomorrow we are gonna revisit the route(s) David Kratz was going to lead a couple weeks ago that was unfortunately canceled because of lousy air quality. Please note 2 routes are offered! We roll out at 5:15 from the Groveland Tap

Here is the MONDO ROUTE

Here is the MIDI ROUTE

Be ready for the Mad Dash From Mac/Groveland!

Happiness is a Green Light!

IMPORTANT - 4:00 start time for this one folks!

You've all been waiting for this one, a Solstice ride on the actual Solstice!

We are starting this one a little further out, Big Wood Brewing in White Bear Lake. Please find parking near the downtown and be ready to roll no later that 4:10.

As always, this year's ride has it all; new roads, Gr**el, old roads, ice cream, climbs, beautiful lakes, descending finishes and good food and drink at the end..

It is a longer ride, so don't forget enough food, water and sunscreen.

Here is the route

Jason

Join us for a nice northeastern ride starting from Parkway Pizza

Here is the ROUTE

Be ready for the famous Willernie Kicker!

We’re meeting at Groveland Tap this Wednesday. The restaurant/bar is now twice as big and has quite the patio in the back.

The route (gpx file) is 29 miles, with some of the best hills, downhills and straightaways NW Dakota County has to offer. There are shortcuts built in.

Here is the Route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/168855912

Rollout at 5:15 on the sidewalk, parking can be found at the lot in the SW quadrant of Fairview and St. Clair, and on St. Clair.

*Midi Ride Leader NEEDED! This route can easily be cut short to accommodate a 2nd (Midi) Ride*

Join us for a nice southern ride starting from Wabasha Brewing

Here is the ROUTE

Be ready for the famous Akron Hill Climb at mile 11.3

The time has come to begin the quest...Tomorrow's ride will be an official qualifier for the "Order of Grey Cloud".

The ride will start at 5:15 pm, from Wabasha Brewing, and end at the same.

The ride is 29 miles, relatively flat, and will be followed by some quality time with your Cap U mates.

*This is an easy route to do together. But please respond if you would like to lead a midi ride!

 Let's Roll!

Let's get spring rolling with an early season loop through Grey Cloud Island Township. This is NOT the official Grey Cloud ride.

The ride is relatively flat, and will be followed by some quality time with your Cap U mates.

Looking forward to seeing you there. Let's roll!

5:15pm from Parkway Pizza (1909 Lexington Ave N)

Let's be honest, the weather outlook isn't great. Given this, we're going to do a short 17.65 mile ride starting at Parkway Pizza. Short and sweet to lessen the chance of rain during the ride. This is a repeat of last weeks' Midi ride.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/153952053

Keep your eye out for a cancellation email as the weather does not look promising. You should see an email to confirm or cancel by 3:30pm.

Apologies that this was posted last minute. We'll do better moving forward. (On that note, Midi and Mondo ride leaders are needed!)

Welcome to Spring! Join Capitol United for our first official ride of the season. Get your bikes ready and don't forget your sunscreen and water, it's going to be a beautiful ride. Here is the route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/153948562

There will be an easy option to make the route shorter if you are not up for the full 28 miles. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/153952053

A second bonus ride has been added to the 2022 Capitol United schedule. We'll meet at 4:15 on TUESDAY, November 1, at Dual Citizen Brewing Company (725 Raymond Ave, St Paul) and head south along the east bank of the Mississippi River, cross on the Ford Bridge, ride upriver on the west bank, cross the Lowry Bridge, and back on the east bank. Total route is just over 20 miles.

Mike S

Cranksgiving is a national food drive on two wheels.  Part alley cat race, part scavenger hunt.  All you need is a bicycle, a bit of cash ($10-20+ depending on your generosity), a lock and a way to haul the food you collect back to the start.

Pedal the streets and trails of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as you search for specific food and staple items. Once you've collected all items and arrived at the finish, the items will be donated to the food program at Zion Lutheran Church.

All ages and riding abilities are encouraged to participate, bring the kids.
Location: Zion Lutheran Church
Registration Start: Noon
Ride Start: 1:00 pm, end depends mostly on you, how far and fast you want to go but plan for 2-3 hours.

Cranksgiving 2022 is sponsored by Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles.

This Cranksgiving link is for 2019, but I confirmed whith Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles that details are the same except for the date which is 2022-11-19.

Contact me if you have any questions, Jonathan Lord, Cell: +1 (612) 840-5292

Looks like we are getting a Bonus ride :)

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/132404422

See you there, Bart

All,

10/18/2022 TUESDAY! RePeAt...the ride is TUESDAY, 10/18/2022

Crazy to think, but another year is wrapping up. Join for the Season-Ending Party/Cobbles of Saint Paul ride is upon us!

A few things to note:

1) This is a genteel affair so please dress accordingly. Leave the lycra at home! You can expect ~15 miles along St. Paul's most manicured and stately streets. Numerous stops/opportunities to cheers the season. This year we are also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Capitol United.

2) The ride will start at 4:15

3) Start/Location = Skinner's Pub (919 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55102)

4) Bring your appetite - Skinner's Pizza and chicken is YUMMY

5) Bring your donations for the Bob Prudhomme Ride/Toys 4 Tots if you haven't done so already!

Cheers!

Questions? Contact andrew.trcka@state.mn.us or jason.johnson@state.mn.us

Starting from the Sea Salt Eatery in S. Minneapolis, we'll be crossing the river at the Mendota Bridge, taking a loop around Mendota Heights with a nice hill or two. On the return, we'll cross at 494 and come back alongside the airport. Pending daylight, there are some opportunities to shave miles if needed.

-Matt G

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2981967458264367430

The days are getting cool and short, join us for a nice ride up to Lino Lakes and back.

We will start and end at Parkway Pizza, so plan on getting food and beverages after the ride, not many good ones left, get out and Ride!!

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/130934511

-Jason

The annual Smorgy ride is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 21, at 4:45 pm, leaving Dual Citizen Brewing Company at 725 Raymond Ave S in St Paul. The 21-22 mile route will head south to cross the Marshall/Lake Bridge, briefly north along the Mississippi, west on the Midtown Greenway, south around the west side of Bde Maka Ska, through Smorgy's (and Tamar's) neighborhood west of Lake Harriet, east along Minnehaha Creek, north along the river and back across the Lake/Marshall bridge.

The late Ed (Smorgy) Prosser was a bicycling pioneer, commuting to MnDOT year-round regardless of the weather.

Tamar, Mike S and Gabriella will co-lead this week's ride.

Paul Miller will be leading the ride, with the route below.

Tonight's Route

(Wooden Hill Brewing)

Capitol United's annual Bob Prudhomme Memorial Ride was held Saturday, September 10. Thank you to all the participants and to Jonathan and Jason for setting the multiple-distance routes and post ride celebration.

This is a fundraiser for the late Bob Prudhomme's favorite charity, Toys for Tots. We work with Toys for Tots to use the donations to buy bicycles and helmets for children who otherwise may not be able to enjoy Bob's favorite activity, cycling.

A big thank you to Saturday's participants who have already donated, but it's not too late for others. Capitol United welcomes donations to Toys for Tots from everyone, whether you did the Prudhomme Memorial Ride or not. Please mail checks made out to "Toys for Tots" to the following address by September 30:

Mike Schadauer
3418 Emerson Ave S
Apt 201
Minneapolis MN 55408

If you have questions, please contact Mike at 612-242-5435 or mschadauer@gmail.com

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/128684244

We'll leave Dual Citizen at 5:15 PM to go around Nokomis and MSP Airport, then go up to 35E and back on the St Paul side.

Bob Prudhomme was an avid cyclist at MnDOT who was tragically killed in a bicycle accident. His favorite charity was Toys for Tots. In the past, the money we raised during this ride was used to purchase helmets and bicycles that were donated to Toys for Tots.  We will take cash donations, but would prefer that you write a check to "Toys for Tots," and we will coordinate with the US Marines to purchase bikes and helmets.

All rides begin and end at the Bicycle Chain bicycle shop in Roseville (1712 Lexington Ave North, Roseville, MN 55113) and proceed out the Gateway State Trail towards Stillwater. See each route's details for start times.

We are targeting a finishing time around 5:30 PM for all rides. Participants will then proceed to the High Pines Brewery (2704 Snelling Ave, Roseville, MN 55113) for post-ride relaxation. Recommended start times for each distance are an attempt to get everyone finished around the same general time frame.

Note: These are self-guided routes, it is up to you to organize riding partners and get pedaling, although you may end up seeing folks you know out there at any point during the day.

The 2022 Capitol United Leg Mauler will be held on Wednesday, August 31st, starting from Wabasha Brewing Company at 429 Wabasha St S in St Paul. Sunset is at 7:55 that night, so we'll start riding at 4:15. We'll be going up and down the bluffs on both sides of the Mississippi between downtown St Paul and Newport for over 3,000 feet of climbing. This ride is one of the requirements to achieve membership in the Order of Grey Cloud.

Mike S

The Leg Mauler is furloughed until next week, but we will still ride tonight on an abbreviated version.

We will get our miles!

1. We are starting the ride @ Fair State Brewing Coop. located at 2506 NE Central Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Afterwards we can grab a gyro from the famous Holy Land deli and head out to the patio.

2. Start time @5:15

3. I don't have exact mileage on this yet but the ride will generally follow the Mississippi. First we will head south over Hennepin Ave, and jump on the Cedar Lake Trail, head north through Theo Wirth to Shingle Creek to 69th Ave. and head East towards the River up and across the Coon Rapids Dam and then down the East side of the River via Ground Rounds Byway to Central Ave.South to Fair State. Depending on the time the Midi group can cut out the Coon Rapids Dam portion.
   
   

   Due to LRT construction on the Cedar Lake Trail we will head straight out Glenwood past Utepils
   
   

   Mondo: Route
   
   

   Midi: The big difference for the Midi ride is they will cut over at the 694 bridge and continue on the same course back to Fair State.
   
   

4. There is a moderate chance of a storm during our ride so I will send out a group cancellation by 4pm if weather looks foreboding.

Celebrate Summer! Come ride tomorrow! Tomorrow's ride will start/end at the Gnome (Selby Ave) in St. Paul. The ride will be about 33 miles and head to Birch Lake. Bill Leifheit is leading. The route can be shortened to accommodate a Midli ride.

Start time = 5:15

Gnome to Birch Lake Loop: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/122457664

We're revisiting one of the Club's favorites, Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove.

The route is about 31 miles starting from Wabasha Brewing at 5:15.

Afterwards we will have Boca Chica tacos and a tasting of Saint Paul Spice Company hot sauces. Which incidentally, pair well with tacos!

Be there! It's Gonna be a good one!!

Happy Summer everyone, we have a great southern ride this week called "Bart's Route". The weather looks great and this ride has some long smooth sections and some exciting hills! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/119444476

Meet in the parking lot in front of La Tapatia restaurant.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/117758008

This week's route will start at Minnehaha Falls / The Sea Salt Eatery in South Minneapolis and roll out at 5:15pm. There is a lot of paid parking in that area, otherwise you can probably park a few blocks away on a residential street. We'll meet on the sidewalk area at the Minnehaha Falls overlook right next to the Sea Salt Eatery.

Mondo will be doing a 38 mile loop that goes through W. St Paul, Mendota, Eagan, and back along the airport route. There's a shortened MIDI loop that removes some of the distance and hills and is 20 miles. GPX routes may be found in the group email.

Hope to see you there!

Strava route links: Mondo Route: http://www.strava.com/routes/2981967458264367430 Midi Route: http://www.strava.com/routes/2981968381150084002

The BBB&Baby ride is this Wednesday!

July 6. 23 miles. 5:30 start time.

69 Congress St W St Paul
near Wabasha Bewery

Text me if you’re running late - 612-805-3731

Beer, brats and buns will be provided. Feel free to bring additional food and beverages. Here’s the route - https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/114660775

The point system for the trophies : Locations for the climbs – 180 points (maillot à pois rouges):

Top of Ramsey Hill – 40 points Top of the High Bridge, turning onto Cherokee – 30 points Top of Wentworth at Delaware – 30 points Top of Marie – 30 points Top of Ohio Hill climb, crest of hill before the water fountain – 50 points

Locations for the sprints – 180 points (maillot vert - photos attached): Under West 7th St bridge on Grace – 50 points (Follow new route - from Jefferson, left on Oneida (right before MacDonalds), right on Clay, left on Erie, right on Grace. Sprint starts on Grace) Crosswalk by the swing sets on Cherokee Heights park boulevard – 50 points Mendota Lucky 13 – 30 points Crosswalk before the RR bridge on Lillydale – 50 points Scoring System (maillot jaune goes to the most points overall). This year I’ll have scoring sheets to help people with the math:

1st place = full points, for Ramsey hill, 40 points 2nd = -10 points, for Ramsey hill, 30 points 3rd = -10 additional points, for Ramsey hill, 20 points 4th = -10 additional points, for Ramsey hill, 10 points 5th = -5 additional points, for Ramsey hill, 5 points

New this year - specified regroup sites:

Top of Ramsey Hill at Arundel St End of Cherokee sprint, before hwy 13 Top of Marie hill climb (… or at the Mendota Heights City Hall parking lot - lead peloton decides) Yacht Club at the end of the Big Rivers trail

Riders are free to do as they please in-between the regroup sites.

Hope to see you there! Bart

Please save August 24 for the 2022 Capitol United Leg Mauler Ride. This ride packs over 3,000 feet of climbing into a 39-mile (+/-) route.

On Wednesday, June 29, the Capitol United Mondo group will ride about 33 miles on the Minneapolis Grand Round counter-clockwise. Midis could do about 27 miles of the Grand Round by cutting through on the Midtown Greenway. Or they can go anywhere else they like. All rides will start promptly at 5:15 pm from Lake Monster Brewing Company. The address is 550 Vandalia Street, #160 in St Paul, but you reach the brewery and their parking lot from Wabash Ave. We will start the ride from the parking lot off Wabasha.

The current forecast calls for 92 and windy at ride time. Please hydrate and bring water. Rain is unlikely, so count on the ride happening unless there is an email cancelling the ride by 4:00 pm Wednesday.

A great ride through beautiful Washington County

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/112218645

Start/End @ Dual Citizen Brewery. Ride starts PROMPTLY at 5:15. Mondo Group will head to the Airport via Fort Snelling State Park. This should be kinda a short and fun ride! Expect 25 - 30 miles. The Midi group will do a similar ride but travel about 20 miles.

This is your opportunity to achieve Capitol United greatness and show your dedication.

Don't hesitate, this is a fun one that you don't want to miss.

The weather looks great!

Here is another CapU ride with a start in the west metro. We'll meet at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative (3134 California St NE, Minneapolis MN 55418) for a 5:15 pm departure. The Mondos will ride about 34 miles up the west bank of the Mississippi, cross on the US-169 bridge to Anoka, and downriver on the east bank. If they like, the Midis could ride about 21 miles by using a similar route but crossing at the Coon Rapids Dam.

Broken Clock has a confusing set-up. Their main entrance is near the southwest corner of the U-shaped building, which has many other tenants. Their patio is on the north side of the building, inside the U, next to a big gravel parking lot. Let's meet by the patio on the north side. It's easiest to reach this by going into the driveway from California Street on the north side of the whole building--NOT the driveway near the railroad track crossing of California Street.

It is a high likelihood for rain tomorrow, however, we will plan for a ride around Lake De Montreville. It's a 22mi route. Meet at St Paul Brewing at 5:15. Pay attention to email for any potential rain updates, otherwise we ride!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1U4ki5TkRh1R1GLXAnZHD81Dv51wjo0UC&ll=44.966983983966955%2C-93.39392815000002&z=13

Follow Mondos just past 494, then turn south along 494, and pick up Minnetonka Blvd by the ice arena and City Hall.

On Wednesday, May 18, the Mondos will meet at the intersection of Thomas Ave N and Inglewood Ave N in Minneapolis at 5:15 pm to start a ~27-mile ride to Lake Minnetonka. It would be great if the Midis would set up a similar ride. Afterwards, we'll visit Utepils Brewing Company.

WEATHER UPDATE: We have a clear window to ride out. The plan is to ride but we may have to shorten the mileage as needed pending rain. * It's time to set out on a Grey Cloud run! Although this will qualify for the Order of Grey Cloud, it is not THE Grey Cloud ride. Stretch those legs and be ready -- the sprint loop is (mostly) new pavement and it's going to be a heated competition! This week's ride leader will be Matt G. Ride will probably end with a beer and tacos. Midi ride route and leader TBD, but expect around 20 mi from the same start time/location.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1qm1I9Um34FuvNHIjeFVYSc8TyePJTdsh

Paul Miller will lead the ride. We'll leave from Parkway at the same time as the Mondos. Over to Northeast then back along the river and Transitway.

We have both an Midi and Mondo ride tonight.

The Mondo is 33 miles, the Midi is around 20.

The start point this week will be Parkway Pizza in Roseville @ 5:15 PM.

https://goo.gl/maps/Egu4WTFeikEef6rW6

   Parkway's lot is small so please find parking "on street" nearby or use the parking available at the professional building to the east side of Lexington (CapU has parked here before)

The ride will take us around the top of Bald Eagle Lake, and back via WBL and Little Canada. 33 miles

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/13409236

Plan on hanging out for food and refreshments afterwards, Parkway is expecting us.

Start time and Location = Waldmann Brewery @ 5:15

Mondo and Midi rides. Both routes TBD but expect ~30 miles for Mondo and ~20 miles for Midi

Dress appropriately!

Both rides start/end at Tin Whiskers at 5:15. Mondo ride will head to MSP Airport and back (about 28 miles), Midi Ride TBD, but will be about 20 miles. This is one of the last opportunities to visit Tin Whiskers as they are closing soon! https://twbrewing.com/

The weather looks a little suspicious tomorrow. So here's a weather related reminder... All Cap U rides are weather permitting. If necessary, a cancellation email will be sent no later than 4:00 PM. So if you don't see an email, it means GAME ON!

Questions? Email andytrcka@gmail.com